Licensing Guides
North Carolina Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in North Carolina
Plumbing, NC
Joanne Bratton
Table of Contents
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in North Carolina
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in North Carolina
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in North Carolina
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in North Carolina?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in North Carolina?
Does My North Carolina Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in North Carolina?
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in North Carolina?
When Can a Plumbing License Get Suspended in North Carolina?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in North Carolina?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but time and effort leads to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. Almost every state requires plumbers to be licensed because it’s complicated work that affects the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 504,500 plumbers nationwide, and North Carolina employs 14,300 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 43,300 to the ranks across the country. In North Carolina, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is higher at 10% for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, construction employment in North Carolina in July 2025 totaled 282,200, an increase of 10,000 (3.7%) from July 2024 and an increase of 47,900 (20%) from February 2020.
If you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
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Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. North Carolina has statewide standards for working in the plumbing business, beginning at the plumbing technician level.
Plumbing License Requirements in North Carolina
Is a license required for plumbers in North Carolina? Yes.
The North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors issues licenses for plumbing, heating, and fuel piping technicians and contractors. The state has several classifications of plumbing technician and contractor licenses.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in North Carolina
What are the types of plumber licenses in North Carolina? There are seven types of state-issued plumbing licenses.
Plumbing Technician Class I (PT-I) — This technician license is for those who install, repair, or replace plumbing and are sublicensees of a plumbing contractor. A Class I license permits plumbing work in residential, commercial, or industrial buildings.
Plumbing Technician Class II (PT-II) — This technician license is for those who install, repair, or replace plumbing and are sublicensees of a plumbing contractor. A Class II license permits plumbing work in single-family detached residential dwellings.
State and Local Government Plumbing Technician (SLGT-P) — This license is for an employee of state or local government who performs work related to potable water, drain, waste, and vent piping systems.
Private Educational Institution Plumbing Technician (PEIT-P) — This license is for an employee of a private educational institution who performs work related to potable water, drain, waste, and vent piping systems.
Plumbing Contractor Class I (P-I) — A contractor is a person, firm, or corporation engaged in the business of plumbing. This license is for contractors performing plumbing work in any residential, commercial, or industrial building.
Plumbing Contractor Class II (P-II) — This license is for plumbing contractors performing plumbing work in single‑family, detached residential dwellings.
Restricted Limited Plumbing Contractor (RLP) — This license is for plumbing contractors performing only exterior building sewer piping, exterior water service piping 2 inches or less, exterior backflow preventers on 2 inches or less piping, and water filtration systems.
The board also issues licenses for heating contractors, fuel piping contractors, fire sprinkler maintenance technician, residential fire sprinkler installation contractor, and fire sprinkler installation and inspection contractors.
Each license has specific requirements.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR PLUMBING:
Plumbing Technician (Class I, SLGT-P, PEIT-P)
Be at least 18 years old.
Have 18 months (3,000 hours) full-time experience in plumbing installation, maintenance, service, or repair related to the license category.
Pass a criminal background check.
Pass a plumbing technician exam. The exam application fee is $100; the exam costs $75.
Submit a license activation form within 45 days of passing the exam; pay the $75 license fee.
Note: Those who already hold an active Class I technician license and are applying to qualify for the SLGT-P or PEIT-P license do not need to take another exam. These applicants will pay a $30 application fee and a $150 license activation fee, instead of the fees listed above.
Be at least 18 years old.
Have 15 months (2,500 hours) of full-time work experience.
Pass a criminal background check.
Pass a plumbing technician exam. The exam application fee is $100; the exam costs $75.
Submit a license activation form within 45 days of passing the exam; pay the $75 license fee.
Plumbing Contractor (Class I and Class II)
Be at least 18 years old.
Have two years (4,000 hours) of on-site, full-time experience in the installation, maintenance, service, or repair of plumbing systems. Up to 2,000 hours (45 quarter hours or 30 semester hours) of the experience requirement may be in academic or technical training directly related to the license classification.
Pass a criminal background check.
Pass a plumbing contractor exam and a business and law exam. The exam application fee is $100; the two-part exam costs $75.
Submit a license activation form within 45 days of passing the exam; pay the $150 license fee.
Restricted Limited Plumbing Contractor
Be at least 18 years old.
Have nine months (1,500 hours) of full-time work experience in the installation, maintenance, service, or repair of plumbing systems. Up to 750 hours of the experience requirement may be in academic or technical training directly related to the license classification.
Pass a criminal background check.
Pass a restricted limited plumbing contractor exam and business and law exam. The exam application fee is $100; the two-part exam costs $75.
Submit a license activation form within 45 days of passing the exam; pay the $150 license fee.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in North Carolina
Be at least 18 years of age.
To obtain a Plumbing Technician Class II License, have 15 months (2,500 hours) full-time work experience. A Plumbing Technician Class I License requires 18 months (3,000 hours) of work experience.
Pass a criminal background check.
Apply for and pass a plumbing technician exam.
Submit a license activation form within 45 days of passing the exam.
Pay the $75 license fee.
To become a plumbing contractor, possess two years (4,000 hours) of full-time work experience. Up to 2,000 hours of the experience requirement may be in academic or technical training directly related to the license classification.
Pass a criminal background check.
Apply for and pass the plumbing contractor exam and business and law exam.
Submit a license activation form within 45 days of passing the exam.
Pay the $150 Plumbing Contractor License fee.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in North Carolina
There are many benefits to obtaining your North Carolina plumbing license:
Most importantly, North Carolina requires plumbers to hold state licensure to legally perform any plumbing work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed contractors can operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and increases your earning potential as you acquire more experience.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Plumber in North Carolina?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in North Carolina is $54,120, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. A plumbing salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median plumber salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.65% for entry-level workers, and 3.55% for both intermediate and senior level plumbers. In North Carolina those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $52,700
Intermediate (2-4 years): $68,500
Senior (4-7 years): $74,200
Salaries vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a plumbing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one plumbing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive up the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing License in North Carolina?
The cost to get started as a plumbing technician in North Carolina is fairly low. It costs $100 to apply to take a plumbing technician exam. The exam costs $75 and the license fee is $75.
If you choose an apprenticeship program to get your required hands-on experience, costs vary depending on the program you choose. Program fees cover course instruction, textbooks, and materials. Your employer or union typically will absorb these costs.
A plumbing contractor must pay $100 to apply for the plumbing contractor exam. The two-part exam costs $75. The plumbing contractor license costs $150. Annual renewal fees are $75 for plumbing technician licenses and $150 for plumbing contractor licenses.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in North Carolina
Becoming a plumbing professional in North Carolina isn’t fast, but it is straightforward.
WORK EXPERIENCE: To become a Plumbing Technician Class II for residential buildings, you’ll need at least 15 months (2,500 hours) of full-time work experience. A Plumbing Technician Class I License for residential, commercial, and industrial structures requires 18 months (3,000 hours) of full-time work experience.
APPLY FOR LICENSING EXAM: Once you’ve completed your work experience requirement, submit a plumbing technician exam application or apply for the examination online and pay the $100 application fee. In order to be eligible for the exam, you must pass a background check. You must also submit W-2s, 1099s, or complete a detailed description of earnings from the Social Security Administration to verify work experience.
PASS LICENSING EXAM: Plumbing applicants must order the required reference books listed on its exam book reference list. Approved applicants will receive notification of exam eligibility by mail or email, with instructions for scheduling the exam with the exam provider. The exam must be taken within 90 days of the notification date. The exam costs $75. Test takers are notified whether they passed immediately following the exam. The board provides detailed information on its examination page.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: Those who pass the exam must submit a completed License Activation Form with $75 plumbing technician license fee within 45 days of passing the exam.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: To become a plumbing contractor, you must have two years (4,000 hours) of work experience. A restricted limited plumbing contractor must have nine months (1,500 hours) of experience. The process is similar to the technician process listed above. You’ll submit a contractor application for examination or apply online and pay the $100 fee. You must pass a background check and submit W-2s, 1099s, or complete a detailed description of earnings from the Social Security Administration to verify work experience. Applicants must order the required exam reference books found on the exam book reference list. Contractors must pass a plumbing contractor exam and a business and law exam. The two-part exam costs $75. Once you’ve passed the exams, you must submit a completed License Activation Form with the $150 contractor license fee within 45 days of passing the exam.
The board lists all forms and online application information on its forms page. It also has a FAQ page for answers to commonly asked licensing questions.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing License in North Carolina?
It will take a minimum of a year and a half to complete the required work experience to become a Plumbing Technician Class I.
The great news is that as an apprentice you earn a wage from the very beginning and compensation increases each year as you acquire more training and knowledge, until you are a licensed plumber. Your salary increases again when you become a plumbing contractor. As a contractor you can be your own boss and grow your business as much as you want.
North Carolina Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate systems that carry liquids or gasses. In addition to mechanics, they must know and follow plumbing code.
Since the state of North Carolina requires plumbing professionals to begin their career with work experience, you may not choose to get a postsecondary degree. However, the state permits up to half of the work experience requirement to be met with trade-specific education courses from a college, university, community college, or technical institute. This includes plumbing classes from a certificate or diploma program based on semester hours.
Trade Schools/Community Colleges
Plumbing training opportunities include:
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship opportunities include:
Those listed on job search sites such as Glassdoor, SimplyHired, and ZipRecruiter
Program Prerequisites: For most apprenticeship plumbing programs, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED certificate.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to use good customer service skills, possess mechanical capability, pay attention to detail, and be physically fit. The job typically includes hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces, and includes some heavy lifting.
For more detailed information about plumbing school options, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in North Carolina.
North Carolina Plumbing Licensing Exam Details
In North Carolina, plumbing technicians and contractors must pass an exam before obtaining their license. The application process and examination details are listed on the board’s examination page.
Plumbing technician applicants submit a plumbing technician examination application or apply online. Plumbing contractors submit a plumbing contractor examination application or apply online. The examination application fee is $100.
The board requires applicants to purchase reference materials based on the updated book reference list found on the examinations page before turning in the application. Exams are based on the current North Carolina State Building Codes and other references. Test takers bring the reference books with them to use during the exam.
If your application is approved, you will receive notification of exam eligibility by mail or email with instructions for contacting PSI, the exam provider. You must take the exam within 90 days of the notification date. Exams cost $75.
Exams are given on a daily basis at seven testing centers throughout the state:
Asheville
Charlotte
Fayetteville
Greenville
Raleigh
Wilmington
Winston-Salem
PSI provides plumbing exam information on its North Carolina plumbing and heating exam page.
The plumbing technician exam has a 4-hour time limit. The plumbing contractor exam has a 4-hour time limit, and the business and law exam has a 1.5-hour time limit. The restricted limited plumbing contractor exam has a 2-hour time limit. PSI’s candidate bulletins for plumbing technicians and contractors does not list technical exam subject areas.
Those who need to retake the test submit a re-examination application packet.
Who Issues Plumbing Licenses in North Carolina?
The North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors issues licenses for plumbing, heating, and fuel piping technicians and contractors.
Board offices are at 1109 Dresser Court, Raleigh, NC 27609. They may be reached at (919) 875-3612. The board also lists additional information, such as staff email addresses, on its contact page.
Does My North Carolina Plumbing License Work in Any Other State?
No. North Carolina does not have reciprocity agreements for plumbing licenses with other states.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in North Carolina?
Although North Carolina does not have reciprocity agreements for plumbing licenses with other states, if you hold a license in another state that has substantially equivalent license qualifications, the board may grant a waiver on the technical portion of the exam.
The following license holders may be eligible for a waiver for the technical portion of the exam:
South Carolina Residential Plumbing Plumbing – Class II
South Carolina Commercial Mechanical, Plumbing (PB) Plumbing, Class I
These license holders must request a license verification from the South Carolina Licensing Board that issued the license, which will be sent to the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.
All applicants seeking a North Carolina plumbing license must meet the state experience requirements. Contractor applicants must still take and pass the required North Carolina business and law exam.
Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications) and other professional certifications are not required but may make you a more attractive hire to prospective employers or can increase your marketability to customers.
Other Requirements Unique to North Carolina
State plumbing requirements may be found in North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 87, Article 2 and North Carolina Administrative Code Chapter 50.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in North Carolina?
Yes, there are several plumbing or trade school scholarships in North Carolina. They include:
Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) of North Carolina
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina — Nathaniel Ellis Cannady Jr. Scholarship
Be sure to check with your high school or area community organizations for local scholarships that help students begin their career in the plumbing trade.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in North Carolina?
Potential clients or employees may verify your North Carolina plumbing license by using North Carolina’s license verification page. Search licenses by:
Classification
License number
Company name
Individual name
Address
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in North Carolina?
A suspended plumber’s license means the plumber is temporarily prohibited from legally practicing their trade. In North Carolina, a plumbing license can be suspended or revoked for many reasons, including:
Violating law.
Failing to comply with the minimum standards of competence.
Abandoning a job after obtaining funds from the owner.
Increasing the public’s risk of exposure through the release of sewage or methane gas, or contaminating the potable water supply.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information about state plumbing license regulations, refer to North Carolina’s Administrative Code.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in North Carolina?
Performing plumbing work in North Carolina without a license is illegal. If the court finds that an unlicensed individual has violated an injunction, an order of contempt will be filed with the appropriate court. Unlicensed individuals found guilty are subject to fines up to $500 and/or imprisonment of up to 30 days for each charge.
Continuing Education
North Carolina does not require plumbing technicians or contractors to complete continuing education before renewing their licenses. The board encourages licensees to complete continuing education on their own to stay current with codes and industry practices.
All licenses expire annually on Dec. 31 and must be renewed before expiration. The license renewal period begins 90 days prior to expiration date, typically on Oct. 1. The board emails or mails renewal invoices in early October, but licensees are responsible for renewing their license even if they do not receive a notice.
License holders renew online or submit a completed renewal form and pay the renewal fee. The renewal fee for a plumbing contractor license is $150 and $75 for a plumbing technician license. Those who renew after Jan. 31 must pay a $25 late processing fee. The board lists more information on its renewal page.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all plumbing industry news in several ways:
Check top plumbing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top plumbing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
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